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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend June 18, 2006 Since We Asked: Money for schools After months of study, the Medford School Board has decided to ask voters for money to improve or replace dilapidated school buildings. We asked: What do you think of the Medford School Board's plan to ask voters in November to approve a $189 million bond to pay for school repair, renovation and rebuilding projects? After you read through the answers from our Web readers, check out our new question, which pertains to a proposed natural gas pipeline in the region. Transform No Child Left Behind into No School Left Behind. Consistent, generous support for students, teachers and schools will best ensure our future and prosperity. — Mike J., Jacksonville I thought that was what the lottery dollars were for! — James, Ruch I think the school board needs to look at the repairs the same way the tax payers have to look at their home repairs. What really needs to be fixed? And what would be nice to change? We, as home owners, have to look at what we need to fix as long-term projects. The money has to be budgeted over a period of time. The school board needs to do the same thing. They can't expect all this money at once. It's just crazy. — Abby M., Medford My question to the school board is how, all of a sudden, all the schools in the valley need to be repaired or replaced? Is there no maintenance throughout the years? Do we just neglect the buildings until they are ready to fall down? I find it hard to believe that there is a problem with so many schools. This is ridiculous. — Anne F., Talent Give me, and my fellow tax payers, a break. Granted, there are some repairs that need to be done to the public schools. It's called maintenance. But this major overhaul that they want is outlandish. The school board needs a reality check. Medford Schools don't not need to keep up with the Jones. — Gretchen H., Medford The school board is going over board with this one. How is it that all the schools suddenly need repaired or replaced. Houses last a hundred years with proper upkeep, why can't a school? — Kathy G., Medford Maybe we should replace the school board when we replace and repair the schools. With proper maintenance the schools should have never been in this condition. Don't we already pay for maintenance? It would have been a lot easier to pay for a roof here and a room addition there, rather than the current multi-million dollar proposal. Poor management got the Medford schools in this situation. And the kids pay. Is it time to clean house? — Marty S., Medford Give me a break. Are all the Medford schools ready to be condemned? All of them at the same time? It is nice to keep up with the wealthy areas, but Medford's working class can't afford to keep up with them. Fix what needs to be fixed and forget about the rest. It would be nice to be trendy, but the Medford working class can't afford it and the retired class doesn't want to pay for it. A basic, safe building is OK. We don't need all the extras. — Lance P., Medford Voters need to take responsibility for the schools and quit blaming politicians for problems. Kids deserve good buildings. Vote yes for schools. — Francis J., Cyberspace I really like the idea of replacing one or two schools at a time until our entire school system is updated. — Traci J., Cyberspace I will never vote for another school bond until PERS has been reformed. — Brenda W., Medford I think I want some of what they are smoking! Blue collar families are being taxed into relocation. — Mark K., Medford Simply stated, if the bond fails, the schools will eventually die. When that happens, Medford, as a desirable place to live, won't be far behind. — Maurice G., Medford Unfortunately those who decided it was a good idea to restrict funding of essential services via the initiative process did not provide a way to fund them. — George T., Medford I am a student at North Medford High. My school is drastically falling apart. The roofs are leaking, collapsing and holding harmful molds. I, as well as hundreds of others, are highly allergic to the molds. Please, listen to a student trying to reach desperately needed help. This bond measure needs to be passed. It's a matter of being able to breath. Things can be said, but something needs to be done. — Colleen, Medford This week's question: Williams Pacific Connector Gas Operator LLC, the Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. and Fort Chicago Energy Partners LP have proposed building a natural gas pipeline between Coos Bay and the lower Klamath Basin, crossing the Upper Rogue River area. The pipeline project, which is estimated to cost $700 million to $850 million to build, could get under way in 2009 if approved. We ask: What do you think of the proposal to build a massive natural gas pipeline across the region to connect Coos Bay and an existing pipeline in the Klamath Basin? Please keep your answers brief and on the issue at hand. Responses received without your name and town cannot be considered for publication. All responses will appear on the Web site a week from today. You may submit your answer by using the form here on the Web site, or you may respond directly to [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews